seed systems

This technical brief aims to examine the quality of farmer-produced seeds that smallholder farmers use for planting in Zimbabwe. Smallholder farmers in eastern Zimbabwe have the capacity to produce sorghum seed that matches formal seed certification standards. This emphasises the need for relevant stakeholders to recognise and promote the resilience of farmer-led seed systems »

This Access to Seeds Index evaluates the performance of the seed industry in taking the lead in reaching smallholder farmers in Western and Central Africa. Only half of the 23 evaluated seed companies in the region have breeding activities. A large part of the youngest varieties in the portfolio of regional companies is older than five years. »

CGIAR regards the results of its R&D activities as international public goods and is committed to their widespread diffusion to achieve the maximum possible access and scope of impact to advantage the poor, especially farmers in developing countries. At the same time, CGIAR and other public research organisations apply Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs). This article addresses the question how exclusive rights on new technologies can be reconciled with the production of international public goods. »

This Access to Seeds Index evaluates the performance of the seed industry in taking the lead in reaching smallholder farmers in Eastern and Southern Africa. The index reveals that companies are present in all index countries and investing in local seed sector development, but need more step up efforts to reach more smallholders. East African Seed tops the 2019 Access to Seeds Index for Eastern and Southern Africa. »

This study collected seed samples and survey data from 127 farmers in western Kenya on their African indigenous vegetable (AIV) seed production practices, uses of AIV seed, and motivations for growing seed. This study speaks to the importance of using localized information to develop programs for improving informal seed systems and continuing to employ gender-sensitive and transformative activities. »

This publication of the Access to Seeds Index 2019 presents an overall ranking of 13 leading global seed companies. The results show that the global seed industry is adapting their seeds to combat the impact of climate change. However, a lack of access to quality seeds in many emerging economies persists, as global companies reach just 10% of the world’s smallholder farmers. »